Artificial fireplace log with combustion illuminated message or image

ABSTRACT

An artificial fireplace log made of combustible or noncombustible material which due to its shape and method of manufacturing provides and internal combustion chamber. Combustible material is introduced into the combustion chamber where it is burned. In the wall of the body which forms the artificial fireplace log are vents which allow for the introduction of air and the exhausting of combustion gases and flames which cause the appearance of a log burning. In the wall of the log body are openings in the shape of an intended message or image which when illuminated by the combustion occurring in the combustion chamber present a message or image to the viewer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to artificial fireplace logs. Specifically to providing an artificial fireplace log with an interior combustion chamber which when burned or used in conjunction with a burning material or compound will illuminate and present a message or image which has been provided for as an opening in the wall of the log.

2. Description of Prior Art

The prior art describes the way an artificial fireplace log may be made and used to simulate a natural burning log. It also describes ways to use artificial logs to reduce carbon monoxide and improve the heating effects of the logs when used with gas. The artificial log may itself be made of combustible material or it may be made of noncombustible material formed in the shape of a log. The artificial fireplace logs defined in the prior art may be consumed by combustion or may only provide a means to transform combustion to create the appearance that a log or logs are being burned. Prior art referenced herein is related to visual and sound producing enhancements to artificial fireplace logs that make the fireplace experience more appealing or entertaining to the user. The effects include utilizing chemical elements for coloring flames as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,062,655 and 4,169,709, flame venting and routing as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,513, special sound producing elements designed to produce natural log burning sound effects as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,373, configurations to promote the combustion process and present a log burning simulation as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,084,566 and 3,993,430 and various sculptured and shape characteristics to simulate real wood as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,539.

Fires are often burned during times of celebration and special occasions. Fires are burned to create an atmosphere of comfort and safety which brings people closer together, promoting closer human interaction. Fire is a natural mood enhancer. It is entertaining. Artificial fireplace logs are used to provide all these effects. An aspect to the artificial fireplace log and the fireplace experience that is not provided by the prior art is direct communication of expressions or feelings the user may want to convey to those seeing the fire, such as special written greetings, sayings or unique images. Unlike the other inventions cited, this invention addresses that need.

The invention is an artificial fireplace log made of a combustible or noncombustible material which is shaped to form an inner combustion chamber. In the walls of the log are vent holes to allow air in, exhaust gas and flames out and to allow lighting of the combustible material. Openings are formed in the log walls in the shape of a message or image. The illumination of the inner combustion chamber due to combustion will communicate the message or image to a viewer. Prior art described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,084,566 and 3,993,430 provides an internal combustion chamber however it does not attempt to communicate a message or image.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention an artificial fireplace log of combustible or noncombustible material which has an inner combustion chamber where a combustible material can be contained, ignited and burned. The device having air inlet vents, combustion gas and flame outlet vents and openings which when illuminated from the combustion chamber convey a visual message or image.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly the objects and advantages of my invention are,

-   -   (a) To provide a unique way for people to communicate thoughts,         ideas and emotions with the mood enhancement of fire.     -   (b) To provide an artificial fireplace log which has a vented         combustion chamber and in which a combustible material can be         ignited and burned.     -   (c) To provided an artificial fireplace log which can display an         intended message or image to a viewer by illumination of an         inner combustion chamber due to combustion.     -   (d) To provide features to combustible or noncombustible         artificial fireplace logs which will increase there usefulness         and value to consumers.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the invention which is a cylindrical log shape which forms a combustion chamber. This embodiment provides vents for air inlet, combustion gas and flame exhaust as well as openings in the form of a message or image in the walls of the log.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment which shows a cylinder created by forming a sheet of combustible or noncombustible material rolled into a cylinder and having a fastened edge. One layer is shown, many layers are possible.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment in the shape of a semi circle.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment where the ends are a closed.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment with support feet applied which lifts the artificial log to allow air inlet to the internal combustion chamber and negates the need for a fireplace grate. One or more supports also act to keep the device from rolling.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1. Body     -   2. Exhaust vents     -   3. Combustible material     -   4. Message or image openings     -   5. End covers     -   6. Fastening devices     -   9. Air inlet vents     -   10. Supports     -   11. Fireplace grate     -   12. Combustion chamber     -   13. Fastened edge

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 1-2 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the device is shown in figures one through two where the body 1 is shaped such that an internal combustion chamber 12 is formed. Vents 2 and 9, and openings 4 are produced in the wall of the body 1 by forming, stamping, machining, cutting, casting or other means. Into the combustion chamber 12 is introduced combustible material 3. The body 1 is placed on a fireplace grate 11 and oriented to provide the best performance of the device. The body 1 has air inlet vents 9 that allow air to enter the combustion chamber 12 to support combustion. The air inlet vents 9 are placed such that they are at the bottom against the fireplace grate 11. The combustible material 3 is ignited by known means. Air flows to the combustible material 3 by natural convection. Combustion gases and flames exhaust through the exhaust vents 2 creating the appearance of a burning log. The message or image openings 4 are illuminated by the combustion process. The combustible material 3 may be gas, liquid or solid. FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment where the body 1 is formed by rolling a sheet of combustible or noncombustible material and fastening by known means at its intersecting edges 13. One layer of material is shown but many are possible to build a thicker body 1. The entire log is eventually consumed from the inside out in this and other embodiments where the body 1 material is combustible, otherwise it remains unburned. In the preferred embodiment the ends of the body 1 are left open. The preferred embodiment body 1 may be manufactured from any material which can be formed, assembled or machined into a shaped configuration which provides an internal combustion chamber 12 in which combustible material 3 may be contained and burned. The body 1 may be formed, assembled, extruded, stamped, machined, cast or made by other suitable means using metal, ceramics, composites, plastics, wood, paper, waxes, organic substances, epoxies, glasses, sand, cements, plasters or other suitable material.

FIGS. 3-4 ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment where the body 1 is formed from a piece of combustible or noncombustible material in a semicircular shape. This creates an inner combustion chamber 12 which will contain the combustible material 3. Combustible material 3 is placed on a fireplace grate 11. The body 1 is placed over the combustible material 3. The combustible material 3 is ignited by known means. Air flows to the combustible material 3 by natural convection. Combustion gases and flames exhaust through the exhaust vents 2 creating the appearance of a burning log. The message or image openings 4 are illuminated by the combustion process. The combustible material 3 may be solid, liquid or gas. In FIG. 4 the end covers 5 are shown as separate parts which are assembled to the body 1 with fastening devices 6. The ends may also be closed with material that is an integral part of the body 1.

FIG. 5 ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment where the body 1 is shaped such that an inner combustion chamber 12 is formed. Vents 2 and 9, and openings 4 are produced in the wall of the body 1. Supports 10 are included which allow the device to be used without a fireplace grate. The supports 10 orient the vents 2, and 9 and openings 4 properly and lift the device so that air can be drawn into the combustion chamber 12 by natural convection through the air inlet vents 9. Into the combustion chamber 12 is introduced combustible material 3. The combustible material 3 is ignited by known means. Air flows to the combustible material 3 by natural convection through the air inlet vents 9. Combustion gases and flames exhaust through the exhaust vents 2 creating the appearance of a burning log. The message or image openings 4 are illuminated by the combustion process.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that the artificial fireplace log of the invention presents the appearance of a burning log and adds to the prior art, an artificial fireplace log with the enhanced features to convey a message or image to the viewer. Accordingly the invention provides a way for a user to convey an expression, idea or thought in the mood enhanced environment of the burning fire.

Although the description above contains many specifications these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example the device may have different shapes and sizes. It may simulate real wood or it may only simulate a burning log shape. Flats may be put into the shape to keep it from rotating. One or more of the devices may be used at one time. The orientation shown may be changed and the combustion material may be enhanced for better illumination.

Accordingly the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent. 

1. An artificial fireplace log with a viewable written message and or image comprising (a) a body which forms an inner combustion chamber able to contain a combustible material or compound (b) said body being formed with vents and openings in the body walls such that air can enter the combustion chamber, the combustible material can be ignited and burned, combustion gas and flames can exhaust from the combustion chamber and the illumination of the combustion chamber due to combustion can be seen through the openings (c) said openings having the shape of the intended written message and or image and providing the means by which the message or image is displayed due to the illumination of the combustion chamber whereby the artificial fireplace log is more functional, more entertaining, has greater value and enhances the mood of the fireplace experience.
 2. The artificial fireplace log cited in claim one where the body material is a combustible material.
 3. The artificial fireplace log cited in claim one where the body material is a noncombustible material.
 4. The artificial fireplace log cited in claim one where the combustible material contained in the combustion chamber is also the body material
 5. The artificial fireplace log cited in claim one where the body material is wood fiber.
 6. The artificial fireplace log cited in claim one where the message and or image may be presented by flames exhausting through the openings. 